How to Know Which Classes are Best to Enroll in Depending on Your Major!

So you’ve made the big decisions: you’ve decided to enroll in college and you’ve also
chosen what your major is going to be. All the big hurdles are out of the way, right?
Unfortunately, sometimes it’s difficult to figure out just what are the best classes
and courses you should sign up for. Before you get lost in the sea of classes and
courses, read this blog post Upper Iowa University wrote just for you! Here, we’ll
clue you in on some handy tips to help make it easier for you to make the smartest
decisions when it comes to choosing what classes and courses to sign up for!

Don’t Overload With One Professor

Although you may really, really, really like a certain professor because you’re familiar
with some of their work, it’s not the best idea to sign up for five courses with the
same one. The whole point of grad school is to broaden your horizon and expand your
field of knowledge. Receiving only one point of view halts your development and doesn’t
let you experience as much as you possibly can.

Get Advice and Recommendations From Professors

If you’ve already had some experience with a professor, ask them for some advice.
It’s easy to just sign up for whatever course says “Advanced” in front of it, but
that’s not the best way to take advantage of the amazing opportunities you’ve been
given. For example, classes can cover entirely new subjects or a view through different
lenses. Personal experiences from professors can lead you in directions you may not
expect. For example, if you’re seeking a master’s in genetics or another subfield
of biology, you could get pointed in the direction of a department or career field
you’d never expect. While the class may not directly relate to your current research,
your professor will know how it can provide future insight.

Choose Classes That Will Let You Learn a New Skill

One useful tip is to choose courses that not only sharpen skills you’re currently
well-versed in, but will also allow you to learn new skills and grant you the opportunity
to possibly enter a new career field. For example, if you’re studying in the field
of humanities, consider taking a creative nonfiction writing class. If you study natural
sciences, a data or statistics class would be a great option. Sometimes these combinations
provide a career path that you would have never expected. It’s one of the best ways
to discover a brand new perspective and broaden your horizons for life.

Do Some Shopping Around

Use a website like RateMyProfessor to get some fellow students’ perspective on a certain
professor. Of course, it’s necessary to take these with a grain of salt. Some students
have a personal vendetta with a teacher, but if the majority of the reviews are negative,
it may not be the best option to take. Another useful tip is to talk to upperclassmen.
When it comes to knowing the ins and outs of the system, this can be the best way
to go.

Mix it Up

Take introductory and advanced classes. Take smaller and larger classes. Go to familiar
and less-known departments. In other words, don’t have a uniform, monotone experience.
Branch out into fields you’re interested in learning more about, but don’t overdo
it. Take a course you have some knowledge about, so you can expand your current skill
set. Try both smaller and larger classes. Smaller seminar classes will have deeper,
more intimate conversations between faculty members and students. Larger classes can
have more engaging presentations. Having a well-balanced course load is the best way
to make sure you don’t burn out by the end of the semester or school year. Of course,
don’t expect to get into every single class you want to. Have a few backup classes
planned, just in case you get put on a waiting list.

Getting the Best Fit

When you’re done with your initial course load, make sure you talk with other upperclassmen
and your adviser to make sure you’ve developed the best fit possible. And if you come
to Upper Iowa University, no matter which of our many majors you choose for your degree
program, we’ll make sure to help you be certain you’ve established the right fit.
If you need any more information, don’t hesitate and get in touch with us by giving
us a call at (800) 553-4150.